Evil and he Human Experience

Several Bible verses highlight the age-old question of why evil exists and why the righteous suffer, bringing the problem of evil to the forefront of human experience. Each passage reflects the deep struggle of believers trying to reconcile their faith in a just God with the reality of suffering, injustice, and perceived divine silence.  

Job 30:26 – "But when I looked for good, evil came to me; and when I waited for light, darkness came."  

   - Job expresses profound disappointment, expecting blessings but instead facing suffering. His experience underscores the unpredictability of life and the apparent contradiction between human expectation and reality.  

Jeremiah 12:1 – "Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?"  

   - Jeremiah wrestles with the question of divine justice, wondering why the wicked seem to flourish while the righteous suffer. His plea mirrors the thoughts of many who struggle to understand why God allows injustice.  

Jeremiah 13:22 – "And if you say in your heart, ‘Why have these things come upon me?’ For the greatness of your iniquity your skirts have been uncovered, and your heels made bare."  

   - This verse suggests that suffering is sometimes a consequence of sin, yet it does not fully resolve why the innocent also endure hardships. It highlights the complexity of divine justice and human suffering.  

Malachi 2:17 – "You have wearied the Lord with your words; yet you say, ‘In what way have we wearied Him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,’ or, ‘Where is the God of justice?’"  

   - The people question whether God truly upholds justice, feeling disillusioned by the apparent success of evildoers. Their frustration reflects the universal human struggle with the delay of divine justice.  

Psalm 10:1 – "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?"  

   - This psalm captures the anguish of feeling abandoned by God in moments of suffering. It gives voice to the deep emotional and spiritual distress experienced when God seems distant amid hardship.  

These verses illustrate that the problem of evil is not just a philosophical dilemma but a deeply personal and emotional struggle. They reflect the universal human experience of questioning God's justice, wrestling with suffering, and seeking answers in the face of adversity. While they do not provide a simple resolution, they acknowledge the pain and confusion that often accompany faith in a broken world.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil